Biography

William Birney

Biography from the Archives of askART

William Verplanck Birney' was an artist whose subject matter covered many countries including American and Europe, and he painted whatever happened to strike his interest such as roof tops, kitchens, houses, whatever. His work is highly detailed and strong in color and composition.

At the International Exhibition in Munich in 1883, he was one of two Americans who sold pictures and his painting was titled "A Quiet Corner". It was a German peasant girl, daydreaming and reflected one of his signature subjects, which was private moments in time.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1858 and studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy and the Royal Academy of Munich. He was a member of the Fine Arts Federation, Lotos Club, National Academy of Design, New York Watercolor Club, and the Salmagundi Club. He died in 1909.

Source: Michael David Zellman, 300 Years of American ArtPeter Hastings Falk (Editor), Who Was Who in American Art

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